How can an agent build more trust with their clients?
Building long-lasting relationships doesn’t happen overnight – it takes time, patience and most of all the ability to distinguish yourself from the other guy.
The public is increasingly looking for agents who are genuine and not dwelling on the “look at me” syndrome…AKA, “I’m No. 1 in sales/listings”.
The way to win trust is to establish what you stand for in business and in the community.
Is your marketing sincere? Is it authentic? Or is it just more of the same rhetoric?
It takes courage and insight to give up trying to be everything to everyone. Get rid of old habits that don’t make you any money at all. Are you still spending a lot on advertising that doesn’t result in calls? Check out Ken Goodfellow’s CKGTV.com for some nifty ideas. He says, “Marketing ‘me’ doesn’t help to secure trust in one’s capabilities.”
Communicate the message that you want the public to perceive about you and make sure that it’s authentic and meaningful.
Buying and selling of a home is a huge financial commitment, and what clients are looking for is some down-to-earth consultation, and someone who will thoroughly follow up on the transaction from the date they sign a listing or an offer.
People long for authenticity and because of the economic turmoil we’re reading and hearing about, wouldn’t be refreshing to tell people who and what you really stand for?
I have been enamored recently with Facebook, and have reconnected with a lot of friends and colleagues. One is Sherry Chris, president of Better Homes and Gardens in the U.S. and formerly with Royal LePage in Toronto.
I contacted her last month as she was on her way out of Pearson Airport in Toronto, and asked how agents are reacting to the recession. “Some are getting part-time jobs and that is the worst thing they can do, and brokers should not allow that,” she said. “A new generation of consumers will emerge from this recession and the agents who are positioned to make themselves stand out as being unique, will be highly successful. The era of consumer-controlled real estate will require highly skilled full-time agents.”
Make yourself unique in your approach to real estate activities in these difficult times.
Quote of the Month: “Your true value depends entirely on what you are compared to.” – Robert Wells
Stan is celebrating yet another year in real estate and be reached at stanalb@rogers.com. Stan and his wife Audrey and his extended family would like to acknowledge the dozens of emails and cards of condolences in respect to their son’s passing last January 29. “Gone but not forgotten.” — Jeffrey Robert Albert, 1967-2009.
Stan Albert, ABR, ASA is a consultant with Re/Max Premier in Vaughan, Ont. He can be reached for consultation by email. Stan is now celebrating his 45th year as an active real estate professional.
